Furman

The Furman Paladins proudly represent South Carolina’s Upstate region at Furman University in Greenville. Known for their royal purple and white colors, the Paladins compete in the Southern Conference and have earned a reputation for chivalrous athletic excellence since the 1930s. Their championship legacy shines brightest with the 1988 NCAA I-AA Football National Championship, making Furman the first private school to claim that honor. A dominant force in women’s golf, the Paladins have amassed 18 Southern Conference championships and a 1976 AIAW national title, producing World Golf Hall of Famers Betsy King and Beth Daniel. Soccer has produced US National Team stars Clint Dempsey and Walker Zimmerman, while tennis programs boast 33 combined Southern Conference titles. Paladin Stadium and Timmons Arena create intense, passionate environments where fans rally in purple and white unity. Known as one of the smallest Division I schools, Furman consistently ranks in the NACDA Directors' Cup top 75, demonstrating a culture of sustained success. The Paladins proudly carry Southern values and knightly determination, producing champions who excel at the highest professional levels. Furman continues rising with honor, where royal purple and white warriors reign supreme and champions are forged with unwavering spirit.